YESASIA: YumCha! - Editor's Picks - Japanese Music

YumCha! » Editor Picks - Japanese Music

Browse

Bookmark & Share

Twitter

Copy

: Got boost? (SINGLE+TOY) (Limited Edition) (Japan Version) FANTASTICS FROM EXILE TRIBE

Bubblegum pop boost
October 30, 2024 Picked By Sanwei See all this editor's picks
For anyone in need of a sugar-high kick to their morning playlist, FANTASTICS' latest single has got the boost. Or rather, it's "Got-Boo-Got Got-Boo-Got Energy." Embracing bubblegum pop in the best possible way, Got Boost? delivers a burst of energy from the very first line sung by Yagi Yusei, declaring "Dazzling moments that can't be returned, I won't let anyone take them away." The unabashedly catchy and upbeat track is the opening theme for Kamen Rider Gavv, and it's only appropriate that our candy-colored, sweets-powered Rider has such a bright and positive theme song. The fun, uptempo melody is laced with electronic dance beats and playful lyrics by tokusatsu song specialist... [read more]

: Love Again (ALBUM+DVD) (First Press Limited Edition) (Japan Version) Nishino Kana

Love Kanayan again
September 30, 2024 Picked By Sanwei See all this editor's picks
After a five-year hiatus, Nishino Kana finally returned this year in time for her 15th anniversary. Her recent EP Love Again is her first new studio album since 2017. Though much has changed in the Japanese music scene in the years between, Love Again demonstrates again why Kanayan is the epitome of trendy girls' pop. Love Again carries five love songs with lyrics written by Nishino, starting with the title track EYES ON YOU (Track 1). The pop ballad boldly annnounces the desire for more love, even if love may be a fleeting flower: "I can't settle for just 'I love you,' such ambigious words... I need so much more love from you." EYES ON YOU also announces Nishino's return with a refreshing... [read more]

: Black Box [Anime Ver.] (SINGLE+BLU-RAY) (Limited Edition) (Japan Version) LiSA

NieR:Automata x LiSA x Akita Hiromu
August 31, 2024 Picked By Sanwei See all this editor's picks
Besides stunning visuals and themes, the NieR:Automata franchise has consistently served compelling, moody music evocative of its dystopian worldview. Arguably, the artist whose music most fits NieR:Automata's dark, soul-searching melancholy is amazarashi's Akita Hiromu. amazarashi contributed the Nier: Automata game tie-in song "Deserving of Life" in 2017 and the NieR:Automata Ver1.1a anime's Season 1 ending theme Antimony in 2023. For the second season of NieR:Automata Ver1.1a in 2024, Akita Hiromu writes and composes the opening theme Black Box (Track 1) performed by LiSA. This dream combination of Akita's songwriting and LiSA's singing yields a powerful and evocative rock number that... [read more]

: Dead Dead Demon's Dededede Destruction Theme Song: Zezezezettai Seiiki (Limited Edition) (Japan Version) ano feat. Ikuta Lilas | ano | Ikuta Lilas

Dededede destruction!
March 31, 2024 Picked By Sanwei See all this editor's picks
Zezezezettai Seiiki is exactly the kind of riot grrrl collaboration song I want from ano and Lilas Ikuta! Two of Japan's most exciting new-generation female vocalists, ano and Lilas Ikuta came together to voice the main characters of the two-part anime feature Dead Dead Demon's Dededede Destruction, and naturally they're also singing the theme songs. Written by ano and composed by TK, Zezezezettai Seiiki is a thoroughly fun, fast and fierce punk rock banger that gets an extra kick from the two singers' distinctive vocal tones. The song echos the predicament and bond of the anime's bestie teenage heroines who try to live normally in a time of absurd war. The lyrics are as playfully catchy,... [read more]

: Anytime Anywhere (SINGLE+BLU-RAY) (First Press Limited Edition) (Japan Version) milet

milet music anytime
February 29, 2024 Picked By Sanwei See all this editor's picks
milet applies her husky, soulful vocals and songwriting talents to four songs of different vibes in her latest EP Anytime Anywhere. Two of the songs, title track Anytime Anywhere and bliss, are ending themes for the anime Frieren: Beyond Journey's End. Anytime Anywhere (Track 1) begins as a medium-tempo ballad that milet performs with a toned-down, almost conversational touch. The song and her singing build to a soul-freeing refrain and realization: "So if I were to be born again / I would surely choose this place once more / So if we were to meet again / I'd never let you go, I'd choose the present." The song's second verse after the refrain again assumes an intimate and conversational air... [read more]

: Orange (First Press Limited Edition) (Japan Version) SPYAIR

Fly High!
February 29, 2024 Picked By Violet See all this editor's picks
SPYAIR's music has always been the soul of the Haikyu!! anime series. From openings like Imagination and I'm a Believer to ending theme One Day, SPYAIR definitely has a place in Haikyu!! fans' hearts and memories. Last year, Yosuke joined the band as the new vocalist replacing Ike, and now SPYAIR brings the single Orange to accompany the release of the movie Haikyu!!: The Dumpster Battle. Orange (Track 1) serves as the theme song of the anime film that unfolds the battle between Karasuno High and their destined rival Nekoma High in the Spring High Tournament. Orange is an empowering anthem that encourages one to keep going forward towards their dream without looking back: "We laughed and... [read more]

: Ambivalent [Anime Ver.] (SINGLE+BLU-RAY) (Limited Edition) (Japan Version) Uru

The Apothecary Diaries' theme song
February 29, 2024 Picked By Sanwei See all this editor's picks
Uru's new single Ambivalent should sound familiar to anyone who's been watching the anime series The Apothecary Diaries. As the soaring second opening theme of the palace intrigue anime, Ambivalent is one of Uru's most upbeat and refreshing songs yet. Composed by YAS, the song's relaxed, uptempo melody dances over lightly whimsical yet driving beats to create a gently exhilarating feeling that perfectly matches The Apothecary Diaries. What matches the anime even more are Uru's warm and heart-fluttering lyrics capturing the character Jinshi's feelings for spunky heroine Maomao. Ambivalent opens with the declaration "You're always fearless, like a cat obsessed with what it likes" – that's... [read more]

: Sonzaishoumei (SINGLE+DVD) (First Press Limited Edition) (Japan Version) KID PHENOMENON from EXILE TRIBE

The KIDS are alright
November 30, 2023 Picked By Sanwei See all this editor's picks
LDH debuted three new EXILE TRIBE groups in one fell sweep in August this year - KID PHENOMENON, THE JET BOYZ and WOLF HOWL HARMONY - and the first of the Gen Z groups to return with a second single is KID PHENOMENON. Sonzaishoumei ("Existence") continues the young, fresh and energetic vibes of their major debut single Wheelie, but with an added soulful edge of determination. "Existence" draws you in with a silky medium-tempo melody in the verses and an exuberant uptempo chorus that embodies the courageous spirit of "running through the darkness." The song's rousing message of shaking off doubts and worries and forging ahead on one's own path is ever appropriate as the ending theme of... [read more]

: Start over! [Type A] (SINGLE+BLU-RAY) (Japan Version) Sakurazaka46

Sakurazaka46 at their best
June 30, 2023 Picked By Sanwei See all this editor's picks
From the start, Sakurazaka46 has always been the anomaly of the 48/46 Group. Turning perky bubblegum idol pop on its head, the Japanese girl group's songs unleashed teen angst, frustration and rebellion while wallowing in dark tones and quirky aesthetics. Since rebranding, Sakurazaka46 has softened some of those rough and eccentric edges as the group grows and evolves. Sakurazaka46's latest single Start over! is both a return to their angst-laden start and a representation of their growing maturity. After all, it's not just teens who feel lost, listless and powerless in society – so do adults. Start over! grabs you right away with an epic intro intertwining a striking bassline and steady... [read more]

: Haru no Oto (Normal Edition) (Japan Version) miwa

Sounds of youth, notes of spring
May 31, 2023 Picked By Sanwei See all this editor's picks
I've always felt that miwa's voice and music style embodies spring: bright, pure and warm with a tinge of melancholy. Her latest single Haru no Oto totally exemplifies this. Written and composed by miwa, Haru no Oto can be heard as the ending theme for the second season of the high school baseball anime Mix: Meisei Story based on Adachi Mitsuru's manga. True to the anime's coming-of-age themes, the song evokes the sound and scenes of youth in its gentle yet vibrant blend of guitar and piano. Looking back while wondering about the future, the lyrics recall the sweet and bittersweet emotions of ambiguous young love that stays in your memories. The new B-side song Misoushin continues the story... [read more]

: ARASHI Anniversary Tour 5×20 FILM "Record of Memories" [4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray] (Japan Version) Arashi

Record of Arashi
October 31, 2022 Picked By Sanwei See all this editor's picks
Arashi's Record of Memories is the first and only concert film that the Johnny's group has ever put out, and it's on a whole other level in terms of pure technical production values. Arashi's massive 20th anniversary tour spanned over 50 performances and mobilized over two million attendees, making it the largest tour in Japanese history. This feature film presentation of the Arashi Anniversary Tour 5×20 records their live at Tokyo Dome on December 23, 2019. As a celebration and culmination of Arashi's 20-year journey, the concert is a joy for fans, with a setlist full of uptempo numbers, hit songs, dance medleys and energetic performances accompanied by impressive stage design and... [read more]

: Suki to Iu no wa Rock Daze! [Type A] (SINGLE+BLU-RAY) (Japan Version) Nogizaka46

The power of love
August 31, 2022 Picked By Sanwei See all this editor's picks
The endearingly upbeat tune of Nogizaka46's 30th single Suki to Iu no wa Rock Daze! begins with a decidely downbeat line: "The person I hate the most in the world is me." Self-loathing thoughts of stagnancy and having no ambitions or expectations for the future pour out unassumingly against a mellow melody laced with energetic pop rock beats. These negative emotions are flipped by the discovery of a love that makes one sparkle. While the power of love may seem like a typically cheesy topic for a pop song, Suki to Iu no wa Rock Daze! throbs with a heartfelt touch of sensitivity as it reflects on the trials of growing up and a love that encourages self-love. The song's sentiments are... [read more]

: MIXED NUTS EP (SINGLE+BLU-RAY) (Japan Version) Official HIGE DANdism

Life is like a bag of mixed nuts
June 30, 2022 Picked By Sanwei See all this editor's picks
Official HIGE DANdism's song Mixed Nuts should sound familiar to anyone who's been watching Spy x Family, but you don't have to know the anime to enjoy this flavorful EP. Opening with a reverbing explosion of notes, Mixed Nuts (Track 1) highlights the funky, jazzy side of HIGEDAN's signature piano rock sound. The energetic pop melody is underlined by an awesome bassline that pulsates with life and a joyous swirl of brass and percussion. Mixed Nuts has wittily philosophical lyrics about living "in this world like nuts packed in a bag." Like a bag of mixed nuts, this EP has more texture and variety to offer in its side tracks. Anarchy (Track 2) is a wonderful surprise, expanding the band's... [read more]

: LOST IN TOKYO (ALBUM+DVD) (First Press Limited Edition) (Japan Version) SOIL & "PIMP" SESSIONS

Tokyo state of mind
June 28, 2022 Picked By Sanwei See all this editor's picks
You can always count on Soil & "Pimp" Sessions for classy and funky jazz that brims with exuberant energy. Their latest album Lost in Tokyo also brims with city vibes. Themed around Tokyo, the album explores and evokes the city through 12 tracks that include two songs featuring guest vocalists. Lost in Tokyo opens with an atmospheric intro track blending the sounds of water, chirping birds, the muffled clamor of a subway and crisp footsteps. It leads into Meiji-Jingumae 'Harajuku' (Track 2), whose title referring to a metro station interchange already gets you in a Tokyo state of mind. The playful skitter of piano keys against laid-back beats, smooth brass notes and an unrushed melody feels... [read more]

: M87 (SINGLE+DVD) (First Press Limited Edition)(Japan Version) Yonezu Kenshi

Yonezu Kenshi, the storyteller
May 31, 2022 Picked By Sanwei See all this editor's picks
Yonezu Kenshi delivers another certified jam with his latest single M87, the theme song of the new Shin Ultraman movie. The singer-songwriter wastes no time getting started, opening straight away with stirring vocals and emotive imagery: "Because I saw the stars shining in the distant sky / I trembled as I chased the light." Hooking listeners from the first line, M87 reminds of Lemon in the best possible way with its clean and catchy alternative melody, rousing feelings and immediate earworm impact. At the same time, the song has an exciting storytelling quality in its free-flowing rhythm and use of different types of instrumental transitions. M87 technically follows a conventional... [read more]

: Brother Beat [Type A] (SINGLE+DVD) (First Press Edition) (Japan Version) Snow Man

Fun, funny and funky
March 31, 2022 Picked By Sanwei See all this editor's picks
Last year was a standout year for Snow Man. Snow Mania S1 was the second highest-selling album of 2021 on Oricon's year-end chart, and all three of their singles ranked in the year-end top five, with million-seller Grandeur coming in first. The three singles, ranging from powerful (Grandeur) to refreshing (Hello Hello) to emotional (Secret Touch), also showed the Johnny's group's ability to comfortably take on different styles. Snow Man continues strong this year with Brother Beat, which is delightfully different than their previous singles. Snow Man's sixth single Brother Beat is a bright, mischievous and upbeat jam that looks and sounds more like something out of the Johnny's WEST canon.... [read more]

: Flow [Type A] (SINGLE+BLU-RAY) (First Press Limited Edition) (Japan Version) Perfume

Dream with the Flow
March 15, 2022 Picked By Sanwei See all this editor's picks
In the past few years, Perfume has only put out one new music release per year, usually in the second half of the year. This year, the trio is back bright and early in March with the dreamy synthpop sounds of the new single Flow. Produced as always by Nakata Yasutaka, Flow begins immediately, almost abruptly, with sweet vocals over a light melody. The sweet, gentle sound sets a dreamy mood as the beats build up to a bubbly chorus. A low and steady reverberation effect underlies the transition following the first chorus, adding unexpected texture to the song. Nakata continues to variegate the song progression by curling different beats, effects and echoes into the chorus sections and bridge,... [read more]

: Magic Touch / Beating Hearts [Type A] (SINGLE+DVD) (First Press Limited Edition) (Japan Version) King & Prince

The two sides of King & Prince
May 31, 2021 Picked By Sanwei See all this editor's picks
Since their debut in 2018, King & Prince has personified the characteristic Johnny's look and sound for a newer generation. Their image is youthful, fresh-faced and princely, and their singles are mostly very bright and very pop in that warm, familiar and dated Johnny's way. Last year's Mazy Night, however, showed that King & Prince would very much suit an edgier look and more updated sound. And that edgier look and sound comes this year in the single Magic Touch. Magic Touch is co-composed by Adrian McKinnon, who is known for his work on SM artist songs like EXO's Obsession and NCT 127's Superhuman. This song is a total bop from the moment its beats slide in, and Hirano Sho sets the tone... [read more]

: DOWN TOWN / Ganbarenaiyo [Type A] (SINGLE+DVD) (First Press Limited Edition) (Japan Version) Juice=Juice

Fun update of a city pop classic
April 29, 2021 Picked By Sanwei See all this editor's picks
Juice=Juice has often sounded like a girl group from a different era, because their music digs very squarely into the standard idol J-pop sound, even in comparison to other Hello! Project groups. Last year, they went deliberately old school with the single Pop Music, which playfully referenced kayo pop music of yesteryear. Now they bring a cover of Sugar Babe's 1975 city pop classic DOWN TOWN for their first single of the year. City pop has seen a revival of late. Whether it's old songs going viral or younger artists reinterpreting the genre, the nostalgic sound has found a new audience, and not just in Japan. As the OG of all city pop, Sugar Babe's DOWN TOWN has been covered many times... [read more]

: Dramatic ni Kanpai (Normal Edition) (Japan Version) Yamamoto Sayaka

From Idol to Singer-Songwriter
February 27, 2021 Picked By Sanwei See all this editor's picks
I had high hopes for Yamamoto Sayaka when she started her post-NMB career, because she's been one of the few 48 graduates to have both the established popularity and the legitimate musical and vocal talents to make it as a solo artist. She hasn't disappointed. In the past two years, Sayaka has built a credible and consistent body of work that solidifies her transition from idol to singer-songwriter. Like with her past singles, all three tracks on her latest Dramatic ni Kanpai single are self-written and self-composed. While characteristic of Sayaka's style of medium-tempo ballads and rock, Dramatic ni Kanpai ("Dramatically Toast") also stands out from her past singles with its carefree vibe... [read more]

Showing: 1-20 of 117 items Page: 1 2 3 4 5 ... 6 Next

Quick Links

Browse

Narrow by

Browse More

About YesAsia.com

Bookmark & Share